As the Golden State Warriors stride into the new NBA season, their start is reminiscent of their promising early games in the previous year. The Warriors currently boast a 4-1 record, a slight drop from last season's even more auspicious 5-1. However, they find themselves in a delicate position as they aim to avoid the pitfalls that derailed last season’s ambitions.
The Warriors’ opening performances this season have been nothing short of historic. They obliterated the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz by a combined margin of 77 points, setting a new NBA record in the process. This emphatic opening was slightly marred by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game which also saw Stephen Curry exit with a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Despite this setback, the Warriors bounced back, claiming back-to-back victories against the New Orleans Pelicans at home. However, it's worth noting that the Pelicans were missing crucial players like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in their second contest.
The team’s defensive resilience has been particularly noteworthy. They entered Friday’s matchup with a defensive rating under 100.0, underscoring their ability to lock down opponents effectively. This defensive prowess has inspired veteran Draymond Green, who expressed a renewed drive for personal accolades. “Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess, expressing to Tim Kawakami his desire to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions.” A re-energized Green could prove vital as the Warriors navigate their challenging upcoming schedule.
Offensively, the Warriors are firing on all cylinders. They lead the league in assists, showcasing their trademark unselfish play and ball movement. Moreover, they rank second in average made three-pointers per game at 17.6, a testament to their lethal perimeter scoring capability. Aiding their offensive firepower, Buddy Hield has emerged as a reliable contributor, delivering over 21 points per game and achieving an impressive 50% from beyond the arc on nearly 10 attempts per contest.
The road ahead presents a formidable challenge. The Warriors are set to embark on a rigorous road trip against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City—teams boasting a combined record of 13-1. This stretch will be a critical test of their mettle, particularly as they strive to avoid the same mid-season slump as last year, when their record plummeted to 6-8 following a strong start.
Upon returning to the familiar comforts of home, the Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, both formidable opponents in their own right. These games will provide further opportunities for the Warriors to solidify their early-season form and correct the errors that led to an unsatisfactory early exit from last season's Play-In Tournament.
As the Warriors venture into this challenging phase, the lessons of last season loom large. Desperately needing to maintain their momentum and health, Stephen Curry’s recovery will be pivotal. The team’s hopes of reclaiming a top-tier status depend on sustaining their current form and building upon their resilient defense and potent offense.
The journey is arduous, but the Warriors have the talent and experience to forge a path back into championship contention. With players like Green embracing their roles and a team-driven ethos of assists and three-point precision, Golden State has every reason to believe they can turn this promising start into something enduring and significant.